Overview
- In a Truth Social post, the president said he will not allow the Detroit–Windsor crossing to open unless the U.S. is “fully compensated,” called for immediate talks, and suggested the U.S. should own at least half the asset while citing grievances over dairy tariffs, Ontario liquor rules, and Canada–China talks.
- It remains unclear what legal mechanism could stop the opening, even after the Department of Homeland Security on January 30 designated the crossing as a U.S. port of entry.
- Under the 2012 Canada–Michigan agreement, Canada funded construction and will recoup costs via tolls, and the bridge is publicly owned by Canada and Michigan; the pact requires iron and steel from the U.S. or Canada, and local officials say U.S. steel was used on the Michigan side.
- Michigan Democrats and local leaders warned a delay would damage supply chains, raise costs, and cost jobs, while Canadian and state officials rejected claims about ownership and materials and highlighted the bridge’s economic benefits.
- New reporting cites anonymous administration sources linking the outburst to a meeting involving Ambassador Bridge interests hours earlier, a claimed connection that has not been independently confirmed.